We have a whole house surge protector purchased through our electric co-op. I also have a UPS that I used to use on my destop computer that I now use for my sewing machine - BUT -I couldn't stand it if anything happened to it, so as a matter of course, every time I am through sewing, I unplug the machine and even move the plug away from the outlet. My brother was a fireman for 21 years and told me that with a direct lightning strike, it can actually arc from the outlet for a distance. After all, a few simple steps helps me rest easier if I am away from home and a storm has developed at my house!